Context-detected auto-mode switching

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method provide the automatic, self-configuration of a communication device to adjust to the user&#39;s environmental circumstances. Method includes creating a set of mode templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances and may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user&#39;s environment. The user&#39;s environmental circumstances may be derived by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors. The derived set of environmental circumstances may then be compared to the mode templates to determine a matching mode template. A change to a plurality of communication device operational settings may then be made based at least partially on the matching mode template.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/611,434, filed Dec. 15, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,646,297), which isherein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates to systems and methods forenabling automatic, self configuration of a communication device inorder for the device to adjust to a user's environmental circumstances.

BACKGROUND

Personal communications devices have become a ubiquitous staple oftoday's society. The most common personal communication device is acellular telephone but such devices may include any number of personalelectronic devices such as pagers, PDA's, small laptop computers, MP3players, radios, etc. These devices, in particular, have become anomnipresent necessity. They are carried throughout a user's day andfollow the user into a myriad of environmental conditions that can rangefrom a quiet office, to a construction site, to use on the road whiledriving.

Generally, communication devices such as cellular telephones aredesigned to allow users to change their operational settings as a user'scircumstances change. An example may include changing from a ring toneto vibrate while attending an important meeting. However, users mustusually alter each setting or mode manually and each operating featuremust be adjusted independently. On some devices, the user may manuallyselect a “profile” which adjusts several features simultaneously, yetthis still requires manual user action. Even those devices withautomatic audio gain or automatic lighting controls adjust only a singleoperating feature and that feature is usually adjusted independently ofall other features. Further, learning how to adjust rarely changedfeatures on a complex device requires unnecessary time and effort uponthe part of the user. Learning how to manipulate a communication devicewill only become more difficult as the complexity of the devices allowsmore and more features to be added. Therefore, the appropriate and realtime adjustment of the operational settings of a communications devicecontinues to be an unnecessary impediment to the full operationalpotential and convenient use of a communication device.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of a communication device consistent with thisdisclosure may include a set or a suite of environmental sensors that isin communication with an analysis module (“AM”). The analysis module mayinfer the current environmental conditions of the user via the set ofenvironmental sensors. The communication device may also include a modeswitching module which is in communication with the analysis module anda plurality of operating features. The mode switching module may receivecommands from the analysis module to alter the plurality of operatingfeatures based on a match between the inferred environmental conditionsand a mode template.

Exemplary embodiments of a method for context based mode switchingconsistent with this disclosure may include creating a set of modetemplates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmentalcircumstances. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived orinferred by an analysis module based on the output of the suite ofenvironmental sensors. The derived set of environmental circumstancesmay then be compared to the mode templates to determine a matching modetemplate. A change to a plurality of communication device operationalsettings may then be made based at least partially on the matching modetemplate.

Further exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may include a computerreadable medium upon which are recorded instructions to create a set ofmode templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmentalcircumstances. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived byan analysis module based on the output of a suite of environmentalsensors. The derived set of environmental circumstances may then becompared to the mode templates to determine a matching mode template. Achange to a plurality of communication device operational settings maythen be made based at least partially on the matching mode template.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within this description, be within thescope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional components that may befound in a communications device with context based, auto mode switchingcapability;

FIG. 2 is a flow illustrating an example of a method implementingcontext based, auto mode switching capability;

FIG. 3 is an illustration depicting the functionality of an exemplarymode template within a communication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method enablingthe automatic, self configuration of a communication device to adjust tothe user's environmental circumstances. In the following detaileddescription, references are made to the accompanying drawings that forma part hereof and which are shown, by way of illustration, usingspecific embodiments or examples. Referring now to the drawings, inwhich like numerals represent like elements through the several figures,aspects of the apparatus and methods provided herein will be described.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating functional components that may befound in a wireless communication apparatus or device 101. Acommunication device, such as a cell phone 101, may have one or morecommunication transceivers 102 and corresponding antennas 103. A typicalcommunications device 101 may also have a touch screen or keypad 104 toallow a user to input commands and data into the communications device101 and a screen display 105 with which to view data and receiveresponses from the communication device 101. The communication devicemay incorporate a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver 106 or may beenabled to determine position by triangulation.

The communication device 101 may also have incorporated within it avariety of operational modes or features 107 that allow a user tocustomize the communications device 101 to the user's preferences. Thelist of possible operating features/modes continues to grow over timeand any specific examples mentioned here are not intended to limit thepotential features and modes that may be controlled by the disclosureherein. Non-limiting examples of operating features includecommunications speaker volume, ring tone disable, whisper tone callerID, ring tone volume, type of ring tone, vibrate, screenintensity/brightness, lighted keypad, transfer call to voice mail, handsfree, voice recognition and send/change auto e-mail response.

The communications device 101 may also include a memory device 108 uponwhich may be recorded a list of operating instructions and one or moredatabases 109. The databases 109 may contain a call history 112, storedtelephone numbers, a phone book 113, mode templates 110, a mode history111 and a set of mode filtering rules 114. The memory device 108 and thedatabases 109 are examples of computer readable media which storeinstructions that when performed implement various logical operations.Such computer readable media may include various storage media includingelectronic, magnetic, and optical storage. Computer readable media mayalso include communications media, such as wired and wirelessconnections used to transfer the instructions or send and receive otherdata messages.

The communication device 101 may have at least one microphone 120 withwhich a user may engage in a verbal communication with another user witha remote communication device, although there may be multiplemicrophones. In addition to the user's voice, the microphone 120 can beused to monitor the user's environmental noise level and its variousqualities.

Additional environmental sensors may also be included in thecommunication device 101 individually or together in a sensor suite 119.A non-limiting set of illustrative examples of such environmental sensortypes may include motion sensors 121, optical sensors 123, vibrationmeters 126, accelerometers 122, humidity sensors 124, thermometers 125,barometers 127, altimeters 128, and tilt meters 129. The sensor suite119 may also include additional types of sensors as may satisfy a user'sneeds. Although a list of additional sensors is voluminous, non-limitingexamples of additional sensors may include ion sensors such as nuclearradiation detectors (i.e. radon gas), smoke detectors, lightspectrometers and audio frequency spectrum analyzers. Further, sensorsmay detect biometric data to monitor vital signs, voice formant, angerand the like. Non-limiting examples of biometric sensors may include afingerprint reader, a pulseometer, a breathalyzer, a pedometer, apersonal thermometer and the like.

Each sensor may be prompted or controlled by an Analysis Module (“AM”).The AM 116 may take samples of the device's 101 then current environmentperiodically or take samples at predetermined times. Sample periodicitymay vary between sensors in the sensor suite 119, such that both thesampling frequency and the number of samples taken at each sample pointmay be different for different sensors. The frequency of sampling may beadjusted by the AM 116 in order to gain needed information to help inmatching. Multiple samples may be desirable for some sensors so that amore accurate averaged reading can be calculated for each sample point.

Further, environmental data may be received from a communicationsystem's central office or a substation 140. As a non-limiting example,today's temperature, cloud cover and relative humidity may be sampled atthe central office 140 and transmitted to the AM 116 in thecommunication device 101. Sample readings that may be applicable to awide area or that may require cumbersome sensor devices may befacilitated in this manner. Similarly, the central office 140 may beaware of an emergency in a particular area and may provide informationrelated to the emergency that may be useful in determining a user'scircumstances (e.g. a tornado warning or heavy thunderstorm).

The AM 116 may comprise a single module or several sub modules workingin unison. The AM 116 may control the timing and duration of anenvironmental sampling. A sample may be an instantaneous/spot sample orthe sample period may extend over an extended period of time as requiredby the analysis that is to be performed by the AM 116. The environmentalsamples utilized by the AM 116 in determining a user's circumstances maybe a single sample from a single sensor, sequential samples taken from asingle sensor or coordinated samples of any desired duration taken frommultiple sensors. Samples can also be taken continually andperiodically. Where sensor periodicities between sensors vary, the AM116 may designate that one or more sensor readings remain valid untildesignated otherwise. The AM 116 may coordinate the sampling periodicityto optimize sensor suite performance. Further, the AM 116 may direct oneor more sensors in sensor suite 119 to take immediate, ad hoc readingsor a series of rapid readings. Sample times and periodicity may also becontrolled by the user as a user preference. A myriad of data samplingtechniques are well known in the art. Sampling methods and anyillustrative examples discussed herein are not to be construed aslimiting since the subject is too voluminous to be recited herein.

As non-limiting, illustrative examples of analysis, the AM 116 maydirectly determine the peak and average intensity levels concerning theuser's audio and/or optical environment utilizing audio sensors, such asthe microphone 120 and optical sensors 123 such as camera. The AM 116may determine facts about the user's current circumstances by samplinghis peak and average translational amplitude (i.e. speed), peak andaverage spin amplitude, and peak and average vibration. Suchmeasurements may be conducted with inputs from the GPS 106,accelerometers 122 and the vibration meters 126. Although the GPS 106can calculate speed when operating under good conditions such as withstrong satellite signals, intermittent reception can hinder the GPSspeed measurements. Therefore, it may be useful to combine a pluralityof sensor inputs to determine a parameter such as speed in order tobetter ensure a satisfactory level of accuracy when one or more sensorsis impaired or ineffective for any reason. Further, the AM 116 mayutilize indicators of a user's current or past activity which mayinclude such information as a call in progress, menuaccess/manipulation, searching a contact list, dialing, repeatedattempts to dial and even the status of a battery charge. Note thatfrantic manipulation of device controls may indicate a user who shouldnot be subject to interruptions. As such, an automatic mode change mightbe delayed until the frantic manipulation moderates. In such a situationthe ringer could also be silenced. Similarly, the AM 116 may infer otherpersonal attributes from orthogonal interrelationships among varioussensor readings. As a non-limiting example, anger may be inferred froman elevated personal temperature and unnaturally loud voice amplitude.

Inputs to the AM 116 may include recent call and mode history. Callhistory may include voice communications and text messaging inputs suchas who was called, who called, when calls are placed or received andwith what frequency and also the length of calls. Any type ofcommunication history may be utilized as an input. Whenever a mode isimplemented, a record of the implementation may be recorded in a modehistory file. A mode history file may include the date and time that amode was implemented, a mode identifier indicating which mode wasimplemented and for how long the mode was implemented, and one or moreenvironmental measurement values that were determiners in matching themode to a particular set of environmental factors. It may also berecorded that a mode is manually overridden or cancelled by the userafter implementation. Inputs listed herein are illustrative only, andnon-limiting. Additional inputs may also prove useful and be included ifdesired.

The AM 116 may also derive aspects of the user's current environmentalcircumstances from calculations using samples/measurements taken by thesensor suite 119. Sample and signal processing are well known andreferences to such are widespread and ubiquitous in the art.Non-limiting examples of such calculated quantities potentially relevantto a determination of current circumstances may include peak-to-averageratios, variation, frequency of surpassing a threshold, spectral shapeanalysis via Fourier transforms of time-samples (e.g. Fast FourierTransforms), spectral shape variation, variation rate and frequencyspectrum analysis (e.g. audio, vibration and/or optical). It may also beuseful to sample, compare or analyze different color CCD pixels andpatterns of pixels sensed by a camera.

Further, each measured audio, motion and optical sample may be separatedinto sub-bands of the sensor's range, be it frequency or other type ofrange, by passing signals from the sensor suite 119 through stackedband-pass filters. Derived aspects may be determined via well knowndigital signal processing methods in addition to, or instead of, analogfiltering and ratio detection techniques. The analysis techniquesdiscussed herein are non-limiting examples of techniques that may beused within the AM 116. Other techniques that may be known to the artmay be desirable to determine certain aspects.

The AM 116 may assemble the measured and derived aspects of the user'scircumstances and compare the assembled aspects to one or more modetemplates stored in the memory 108. The memory 108 may be integral tothe communication device 101 or resident in another device incommunication with the communication device 101. As mentioned above, themode templates may be created by the user or learned over time bycommunications device 101. As the AM 116 accesses and compares thestored mode templates, the AM 116 may proceed to eliminate thosematching dissimilar environmental circumstances utilizing a set of modetemplate filtering rules. As a non-limiting example, a mode templatefiltering rule may include a “look first rule” where a subset of themode templates most often used/useful is examined first. Other modefiltering rules may select a mode if only a subset of the requiredenvironmental circumstances are present (e.g. any 6 of 10 environmentalcircumstances), or if one or more salient environmental circumstancesare present (e.g. the time of day).

The Communication device 101 may include a User Input Module (“UIM”) 115whereby user input may be parsed and then used to populate and/or modifya database 109. Through the UIM 115, the user may create, delete ormodify user preferences and mode templates stored in the memory 108.User preferences may be utilized to create mode templates. Userpreferences may be combined with the communication device's 101historical or learned responses. The UIM 115 may also be accessed by auser web page whereby the user inputs his preferences via an internetcommunication with the central office 140. The central office may thendownload the information to the communication device 101.

The Communication device 101 may also comprise a Mode Switching Module(“MSM”) 117. The MSM 117 may control the plurality of features 107resident in the communications device 101. The MSM 117 may allow theuser to adjust a feature individually via the keypad 104 and/or by theUIM 115. The MSM 117 may also control any or all features automaticallyupon the implementation of a mode template that has been determined tobe a match to the user's current circumstances as determined by the AM116. Communication between each of the AM 116, MSM 117, memory 108,sensor suite 119, UIM 115, Transceiver 102, GPS receiver 106 and theremaining elements in FIG. 1 may be facilitated by a Bus 118. Bus 118may be comprised of one or a plurality of buses as is desired.

FIG. 2 provides an exemplary method implementing a context based modeswitching method. The steps and process presented are exemplary.Additional steps may be added, steps broken down to component sub-stepsand their order may be modified without diverting from the disclosureherein.

At process 201, a set of mode templates is created or amended. A genericset of mode templates may be initially included by the manufacturer ofthe communication device 101 and then modified by the user or new modetemplates may be created by the user utilizing the UIM 115 and thekeypad 104. The user may also create mode templates via a web page onthe internet associated with the central office 140 of the serviceprovider for the communication device 101. In addition, thecommunications device 101 may be constructed with additional circuitryto allow the communication device to “learn” over time and create modetemplates to reflect a set of user circumstances in which the user maybe surrounded. At process 204 modified or new mode templates may bestored in the memory 108.

At process 202, the sensor suite 119 takes samples of the user'scircumstances via the sensors 120-129. A sample may be taken by all ofthe sensors 120-129 in the sensor suite 119 or any subset thereof.Samples may be taken on a predefined schedule, a periodic basis, by acommand triggered by the AM 116 or a random/ad hoc basis. Samples may bespot samples, time samples, multiple sequential samples, continuousmeasurements or any combination thereof. The timing of a set of samplesmaybe controlled by a chronometer (not shown) internal to thecommunication device 101, one or more resettable timers (not shown)and/or may also be controlled by the central office 140. The samplingprocess may also conform to a sampling periodicity defined by a user 201or the central office 140. The nature, timing and methods for taking agiven set of samples is dependent upon the user's requirements and canvary widely to conform to the purposes desired. Examples of samplingtechniques as discussed herein are exemplary and are not intended tolimit the scope of the disclosure herein.

The sample results are processed and the user's environmentalcircumstances are derived at process 203. The derivation of the user'scircumstances may also include accessing additional data from a remotelocation or from the central office 140. Sensor measurements can beprocessed and combined in any manner that is required. As non-limitingexamples, peak amplitudes of the sensed aspect may be determined. Inaddition, average amplitudes, peak-to-average amplitude ratios, rates ofchange and frequency of events exceeding a threshold may be calculated.A frequency spectrum analysis may be useful as well as conductingspectral shape analysis resulting from Fourier Transform oftime-samples. An optical analysis may be conducted by processing colorand intensity of different color pixels or sets of pixels from a camerasensor. Similarly, the user's motion can be analyzed as well as anyvibration. Input from a pedometer or from the GPS 106 may be othernon-limiting examples of motion data input. Further, each audio, motionand optical aspect may additionally be determined and analyzed inseparate sub-bands of the sensor frequency range. Digital signalprocessing techniques that may be employed are well known. Thosetechniques may be applied to the particular data of these particularembodiments to render the results used to make decisions regarding theenvironment and mode template.

In process 206, the AM 116 consults with the memory 108 for userpreferences and stored mode templates 300. FIG. 3 is an abstractdepiction of a mode template according to exemplary embodiments. Theexemplary, non-limiting “Important Meeting Mode” template 300 may bejust one of a myriad of possible mode templates that may be created. Themode templates 300 may be sets of communication device default settings,user preferences, learned responses or combinations thereof resulting inan integrated operating mode for the communication device. Each modetemplate reflects a desired response to a physical situation in whichthe user may be involved. The mode templates 300 may be organized intogroups or categories. A particular mode template 300 may be associatedwith a certain combination of circumstances including measured orderived sensor measurements, current user activity events and historicaluser activity as inputs 301. The selection of an appropriate modetemplate may be facilitated by applying filtering logic rules 220/114 toeliminate those mode templates that do not apply to the user's immediatecircumstances. The filtering logic rules 220/114 may be stored in thememory/database 108/109, a remote device or at the central office 140.The mode filtering rules 220/114 may comprise software objects,firmware, hardware or a combination thereof. Another non-limitingexample of a mode template may address itself to “driving in daylight”.A “driving in daylight” mode template may simultaneously:

-   -   1) increase the screen 105 contrast of the communication device        101,    -   2) adjust the ringer 107 from vibrate to a high volume ring        tone,    -   3) increase the speaker 107 gain    -   4) optimize the microphone 120 gain with noise cancellation        techniques.        Non-limiting examples of other mode templates may include        “driving at night”, “meeting mode”, “attending a movie theater”,        “eating at a restaurant”, “attending a raucous party”, and        “speed boating”. The list is limitless and would be at least in        part customized for each user.

Upon the receipt of the sensor inputs and user activity, the AM 116compares the sensor inputs 119, the mode history and any user activityto the input requirements 301 of the selected mode templates in process206. As a non-limiting example, the input requirements 301 that maycorrespond to the “driving in daylight” mode template may include:

-   -   1) an intense peak light level above a certain threshold    -   2) an average intensity over a specified time period above a        certain average level set point    -   3) an average ultraviolet light reading above a threshold,        carefully set to account for the filtering of ultraviolet light        by closed car windows    -   4) low frequency audio input in the range of typical road and        engine noise    -   5) high frequency audio inputs in the range of typical wind and        engine noises    -   6) velocity above a certain threshold.        Thresholds/set points can be preprogrammed by the manufacturer,        set by the user or “learned” by the communication device 101 by        incorporating “learn mode” software. Learned mode software may        be applied to these particular embodiments to automate the        programming and the refining/readjustment of the thresholds and        set points. Instances of the user “overriding” automatic mode        changes, as discussed below (especially when overriding is        repeated and or frequent) may be used as inputs and indicators        that previously learned and set parameters require readjustment        and/or refinement. Any type, number, combination and derivation        of these circumstance input requirements may be utilized.

If the comparison of process 206 results in a match to a single modetemplate, the MSM 117 causes the features 107 associated with theparticular mode template 300 to adjust to settings 302 dictated by themode template 300. This change may be a permanent change or a temporarychange that reverts to a set of default settings or to the previoussettings after a specified time delay. If temporary, a subsequent samplemay refresh the mode template for another period of time. If the changewas permanent, a subsequent sample of the user's circumstances mayeither maintain the then current mode template or dictate a change toanother.

If the comparison of process 206 returns multiple matching modetemplates at 209, the AM 116 may refine the comparison utilizing one ormore filtering logic rules 114/220 in order to select the “Best Match”template at process 211. The filtering logic rules 114/220 may be storedin the memory 108, a remote location or at the communication device's101 central office 140. Should the comparison process 206 producemultiple equally likely mode templates, the AM 116 may resolve thechoice using a more detailed but more demanding and/or time consuminganalysis such as a random pick, a best guess or a default topre-selected mode template. Further, the AM 116 may list the similarreturned mode templates for a user choice. Additional non-limitingexamples of the filtering logic rules 114/220 may include selecting themode template that matches the most environmental circumstances;weighting the individual environmental circumstance measurements and/orrequirements and selecting the mode template with the best match tothose weighted items; and/or weighting certain combinations ofmeasurements and/or requirements and subsequently selecting the modetemplate with the best “weighted” match.

If the comparison in process 206 returns no match at all, then there maybe no mode change at 210. Alternately, when a no match condition hasoccurred or has occurred for a number of times exceeding apre-configured threshold, the mode may be changed to a default mode. Inany case, at process 213 the sampling process is reset and repeated andthe change to the new mode is recorded in the database 109. The database109 may reside in the memory 108. The database 109 may also reside in aremote location such as the communication device's 101 central office140. The data base 109 may also be distributed amongst several memorydevices in different locations.

At process 213 the mode template selected is recorded in the modetemplate history file and the process is repeated if the user issatisfied with the new mode template. If the user is not satisfied withthe new mode that has been implemented, the user has the option tooverride the latest mode at process 214 initiating a manual override atprocess 215. The manual override may be any reasonable user input suchas a verbal command or the manipulation of a button on the keypad 104.Should the user decide to override the latest mode, the communicationdevice's feature controls 107 may be returned to the previous mode or toa default mode.

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustrationonly and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications andchanges may be made to the subject matter described herein withoutfollowing the example embodiments and applications illustrated anddescribed, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of thepresent invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

1. A device for switching a mode of operation of a personalcommunication device, comprising: a database for storing a set of modetemplates, each mode template specifying operational settings for thepersonal communication device corresponding to a plurality of potentialenvironmental circumstances; an analysis module for deriving a currentset of environmental circumstances from an output of a set ofenvironmental sensors included within the personal communication deviceand comparing the derived set of environmental circumstances to the setof mode templates to determine a matching mode template; and a modeswitching module in communication with the analysis module forimplementing a change to a plurality of operational settings of thepersonal communication device based at least partially on the matchingmode template.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the analysis modulefurther derives the current set of environmental circumstances fromenvironmental data output from a central office.
 3. The device of claim2, wherein the environmental data output from the central officeincludes data applicable to a wide geographical area.
 4. The device ofclaim 2, wherein the environmental data output from central officeincludes data regarding an environmental emergency.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the analysis module applies a filtering rule toeliminate non-matching mode templates.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe database further comprises user history files, and the analysismodule derives the current set of environmental circumstances based onthe user history files.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the analysismodule periodically samples the environmental sensors.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the set of environmental sensors includes at least oneof: an audio sensor; a motion sensor; an optical sensor; and a weathersensor.
 9. A method for switching a mode of operation of a personalcommunication device, comprising: deriving a current set ofenvironmental circumstances from an output of a set of environmentalsensors included within the personal communication device by an analysismodule in communication with the set of environmental sensors; comparingthe derived set of environmental circumstances to a set of modetemplates, each mode template specifying operational settings for thepersonal communication device corresponding to a plurality of potentialenvironmental circumstances, to determine a matching mode template; andimplementing a change to a plurality of operational setting of thepersonal communication device based at least partially on the matchingmode template.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the set ofenvironmental circumstances is further derived from environmental dataoutput from a central office.
 11. The method claim 10, wherein theenvironmental data output from the central office includes dataapplicable to a wide geographical area.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein the environmental data output from the central office includesdata regarding an environmental emergency.
 13. The method of claim 9,wherein deriving a current set of environmental circumstances includesanalyzing a mode history file.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein theset of environmental sensors includes at least one of: an audio sensor;a motion sensor; an optical sensor; and a weather sensor.
 15. Anon-transitory computer readable medium upon which are recordedinstructions that, when executed by a processor, perform acts forswitching a mode of operation of a personal communication device, theacts comprising: deriving a current set of environment circumstancesfrom an output of a set of environmental sensors included within thepersonal communication device by an analysis module in communicationwith the set of environmental sensors; comparing the derived set ofenvironmental circumstances to a set of model templates, each modetemplate specifying operational settings for the personal communicationdevice corresponding to a plurality of potential environmentalcircumstances, to determine a matching model template; and implementinga change to a plurality of operational settings of the personalcommunication device based at least partially on the matching modetemplate.
 16. The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the setof environmental circumstances is further derived from environmentaldata output from a central office.
 17. The computer readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein the environmental data output from the central officeincludes data applicable to a wide geographical area.
 18. The computerreadable medium of claim 16, wherein the environmental data output fromthe central office includes data regarding an environment emergency. 19.The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein deriving a current setof environmental circumstances includes analyzing a mode history file.20. The computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein the set ofenvironmental sensors includes at least one of: an audio sensor; amotion sensor; an optical sensor; and a weather sensor.